The war next door in Ukraine has reminded me of the spiritual battles we face in life and ministry.  At times it seems we are gaining ground, and at other times it seems the enemy wins some battles.  As much as we want to see an end to the conflict, the war continues, and thus we must be vigilant and persistent.  Please continue to pray for us in the battles we face and rejoice in victories won.

In our last prayer letter, I mentioned Victor and his choice to believe the Gospel and trust in Christ.  While he was in the hospital this last time, he had talked with another person about the Bible.  What a joy it was for him to call me and ask me for a Bible to give to the person.  Please pray for Victor as his health continues to be very volatile.  He currently cannot even walk with crutches due to the weakness in his legs.

Two days after writing our last prayer letter, I received a phone call from an 80 year old man named David.  Many months before, my auto mechanic friend gave him my number.  As he sat alone at home, the Lord put on his mind to finally call me.  I had just finished my monthly planning meeting with Jacob and was able to go right away to visit him.  He began coming to each church service and was very open to the Gospel.  After going through the Gospel with him one evening at his house, he said he understood and planned to accept Christ later that evening.  Shortly thereafter, he moved to the capital for the winter to be with family.  After talking with him on the phone since, it still isn’t clear to me if he made the decision or not for salvation yet.  Please pray for David to trust Christ if he has not yet.

For several months, our coworkers, Jacob and Viola, have been meeting with an older woman “Love,” taking her through the evangelistic Bible study we have been using.  She has been coming regularly to services now and continues to have a hunger to know more.  Please pray for her to continue to grow in her understanding as we explain the Gospel and Bible truth, and for her to be saved.

Vania, Lena’s husband, continued coming to services until they left for Russia at the beginning of December.  Though it will still be a time before they return in the Spring, please pray for Vania to resume coming upon their return. 

In January, we held an outreach in Bulboci for all ages, with the theme of “The Greatest Gift.”  We had about 22 children and 11 adults come who do not normally attend our services in the village.  The one-day program went well, and the Gospel was preached.  Please pray that our influence will grow in that village in this year as we have additional outreaches planned.

The next day, we held a program on “The Prince of Peace”  at the Soroca penitentiary for the officers who work there and their families.  We had prepared 163 gifts for all the officers’ children between ages 2 and 14.  In the end, we had around 80 of the children come plus parents.  In addition to the gifts, we had games, snack, singing, prizes, and a clear Gospel presentation.  Ivan Nebesni (John Heavenly) continues to meet with the folks there and reach them with the Gospel of Christ.  Pray for the seeds to continue to be watered and grow.

For the last two weeks, I have been trying to start a new group in Soroca for the evangelistic Bible study.  Unfortunately, even after putting up advertisements in town, personally inviting folks, and putting an invitation on the programs handed out to the officers at the penitentiary, no one has come yet.  Please pray for wisdom to either continuing pursuing this or not at this time.

Thanks again for praying for us.  Pray for strength and wisdom as we continue in the battle for the Lord.